Sport
20 September, 2022
Fast starting Swans capture A grade decider
NATTE BEALIBA (50) def LEXTON (35) Natte Bealiba secured their first premiership in 11 years, with a blistering opening quarter setting the tone for a dominant 15-goal victory over Lexton on Saturday at Princes Park. The Swans were able to set the...
NATTE BEALIBA (50) def LEXTON (35)
Natte Bealiba secured their first premiership in 11 years, with a blistering opening quarter setting the tone for a dominant 15-goal victory over Lexton on Saturday at Princes Park.
The Swans were able to set the tone from the outset, with best on court Ella Tranter setting the pace of play. In tandem with wing attack Anna Mortlock and goal attack Shannae Mills, they were able to constantly feed Melissa Oliver into dangerous positions in the goal circle, and she duly delivered with 44 goals.
They were able to establish a nine-goal lead at quarter time, thanks to Oliver scoring 16 goals from 18 attempts, while defensively, the combo of Sharelle Martin and Naomi Medlyn held firm, holding dangerous Lexton goalshooting duo Rachel Phelan and Leesa Donhardt to seven goals from 15 attempts.
Natte were able to extend their lead again during the second quarter, with Oliver scoring another 10 goals, while Lexton were at least able to keep pace this time around, scoring eight goals. It was not enough to prevent the Swans from leading 27-15, however.
A variety of changes were made during the long break by Lexton, with coach Sarah Fisher swapping Phelan to goal attack, while Donhardt became the primary goal shooter option.
Weather also played a factor during the third quarter, as a heavy rain shower lashed Princes Park.
The Tigers were able to enjoy a much-improved quarter, and reduced the lead slightly. Both Donhardt and Phelan scored seven goals apiece, and the Tigers won the quarter 14-13 to trail by 11 goals at the final change, 29-40.
The Tigers made further changes in order to try and pinch the premiership from under the Swans’ noses with the last throw of the dice seeing Kimberley Roberts through into centre, with Julia Parkin moving to goal keeper and Shannon Breust shifting from wing defence to wing attack.
However, it was the Swans’ day. They were able to afford to give depth players such as Sian Mortlock, Samantha Borserio, Ellie Martin and Chloe Ross game time when the game was won, with Oliver adding eight more goals.
The end result of the 50-35 victory was one that signified Natte’s ability to keep Lexton at arm’s length throughout the entirety of the afternoon.
Tranter, Mortlock and Oliver were the three best players on the court for Natte Bealiba, with Lexton were served by Phelan, who scored 18 goals, Roberts and Donhardt.
